During the cold war, both U.S. and Soviet tried so many silly things to proof they are better than the other... Of cause they tried some on the rail as well. Russian prototype Jet Train was built in early 1970's. Its maximum speed was about 180 mph. American one called M-497, a jet-powered engine was tested in 1966. The train did exceed 183 mph which is still a U.S. record today...
